Shades of Ireland: A Bucket List Trip Worth Planning For
Collette Shades of Ireland Guided Group Tour Review & Itinerary (2028)
Hi! It's Sara again.. and I have to tell you about one of the adventures that is underrated and ranked high on so many “Must Visit" lists.. not sure if it’s the algorithm or someone is whispering into my instagram favourite itineraries to plan: Shades of Ireland. If you've ever pictured yourself standing on a cliff edge with the wind blowing fresh air on your face, (or as my husband would say ‘with a Guinness or Jaimeson in hand’) enjoying the rolling hills, the cobblestone architecture and markets, or even galivanting around a castle, this is the trip that turns that dream picture into a real memory.
Countless hours have gone into locking in this trip and I wanted to share everything I have so far with hopes that you’ll join us once you read as to what makes this one so special.
"May your troubles be less, your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door." —→ Traditional Irish blessing
Brewery and Distillery Stops You'll Actually Remember
No trip to Ireland is complete without spending real time in it’s breweries and distilleries. This isn't a quick photo and stroll down old town. Get a taste of old Dublin. Enjoy time at your own pace to stroll Dublin’s city streets, relax in one of the many good vibes Irish pubs, and soak up that social media famous Irish culture and charm.
You’ll adventure with your fellow travelers to revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional & local cuisine. and sit down for a proper pint or dram in a room that has been doing this longer than any of us have been around. If whiskey is more your thing, you're in luck too. Ireland's distilleries are absolutely as must for a quick stop in. You can do all the research online but getting to taste that in person, guided by people who genuinely love the craft, is one of those trip highlights everyone talks about long after they're home.
The famous Temple Pub. Worth the wait. Since 1840!
The Spots You've Already Been Picturing
Some places make this visit and trip itinerary because they're famous.
The Famous Cliffs of Moher: Ireland's Showstopper
Unreal. a must see in person location always at the top of most top rated lists. Can we talk about the Cliffs of Moher for a second? Because photos genuinely do not do this place justice, and I say that as someone who has looked at approximately one thousand photos of it.
Picture beautiful cliffs soaring 214 metres straight up from the wild Atlantic, stretching on for 14 kilometres along Ireland's west coast. It's dramatic. It’s a scene out of a movie. And it is, hands down, one of the most iconic sights in the entire country.
Here's what makes a visit here so special.
legend about this O’Brien’s tower.. many Irish people say that the owner built the tower mainly to impress the women he was courting. It’s got to be said that the place is wildly romantic!
The view that started it all. Head up to O'Brien's Tower, perched right on the cliff edge since 1835, for sweeping views all the way out to the Aran Islands. This is your "pinch me, I'm actually here" moment.
A visitor centre that plays it cool. Tucked into the hillside with an eco friendly design that keeps it practically invisible in the landscape (major Shire from Lord of the Rings energy, honestly), the Cliffs of Maher Visitor Centre is home to immersive exhibitions, cozy cafés, and a gift shop full of local arts and crafts. It's the kind of place you plan to check out for five minutes and somehow stay for an hour.
History nerds, this one's for you. Pre book a guided tour and learn the stories behind the cliffs and the surrounding UNESCO Global Geopark. Turns out these cliffs have been inspiring myths and legends for centuries, and once you hear the stories, you'll never look at them the same way again.
It's easy to see why the Cliffs of Moher have been stealing scenes long before Instagram existed. They've popped up in movies like The Princess Bride, and if you want to see them from a totally different angle, hop on a boat tour and cruise past the Great Sea Stack and the sea cave made famous in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Same cliffs, wildly different vibe from the water.
Walking those cliffside paths, wind in your hair, ocean roaring below you, kind of feels like meeting the true spirit of Ireland face to face.
So the real question is, if you’re not coming with us on June 16, 2028. When are you going?
The Cliffs of Moher
Pronounced the cliffs of “More”. They are as surreal in person as every photo promises, and standing at the edge with the Atlantic below you is a moment worth the trip on it’s own.
Cliffs of Moher elemental beauty has captivated visitors since the 19th century, making them a ‘tourist attraction’ before that phrase was even heard.
The Ring of Kerry
Is one of the world's great coastal views, with stone walls, grazing sheep, and ocean views around every bend. Honestly I keep telling all my friends and clients that it looks like a screen saver!
Blarney Castle
This is the ‘instafamous’ location of the kissing stone.
It gets it’s reputation for a reason, and yes, you will lean back and kiss that stone.
Blarney Castle gets it’s reputation for that reason. People travel thousands of miles, come to Ireland and just like you, find themselves lying completely on the edge, hanging off the side of a castle wall, gripping two iron bars for dear life, and leaning backward over a sheer drop just to kiss a slab of limestone.
You read that right, and you can read it again! It sounds absolutely wild when you say it out loud, but the sheer adrenaline spike and the laughs with the guide holding you makes it a total rite of passage.
Irelands Poison Garden (Monacnapa, Cork, Ireland)
The mistake most people make is rushing up to the stone, grabbing their photo, and running right back to the tour bus. What completely catches people off guard is just how magical the rest of the estate actually is.
If you wander past the main keep, you run right into the Poison Garden, which is filled with actual wolfsbane and mandrake behind iron cages. It feels very dark and a tad shrouded in the best way. Definitely don’t kiss anything if you venture through here.
Right next to all that Blarney Castle ‘kissing stone charm’ sits something a little darker, a Poison Garden growing some of the most toxic plants on earth, all safely caged behind the skull poison warning signs. 💀
Then there is the Rock Close, a hidden wooden glade right on the grounds that looks straight out of a fairytale. Look for the Wishing Steps, the local legend says if you walk down and back up them backward with your eyes closed, your wish comes true within a year. It sounds silly until you are actually there trying not to trip over the mossy stone!
Powerscourt Estate
700+years of history that brings the formal gardens and mountain backdrop that make you understand why Ireland's estates end up on every "most beautiful" list. Definitely one for the books in itself. And then there's the castle stay itself. Not a themed hotel, an actual stately castle with the history and charm to prove it. Falling asleep on castle grounds is the kind of detail guests bring up for years.
Rock of Cashel (also called St. Patrick's Rock), one of Ireland's most iconic historic landmarks.
Experiences That Make It Feel Like Ireland, Not Just a Tour
jaunt nounˈjȯnt ˈjänt :a usually short journey or excursion undertaken especially for pleasure. ‘a weekend jaunt to the coast’
A jaunting car ride through Killarney trades the tour bus for a horse drawn cart and lets you slow down for a while.
A traditional sheepdog demonstration is one of those experiences you don't expect to love as much as you do. An unforgettable Irish experience just outside Dublin. Watching a working dog herd a flock with nothing but whistles and instinct is literally something out of a movie.
An Irish dinner with live music and storytelling brings the food, the fiddle, and the craic together for a night you'll be smiling about the whole flight home.
Bring good walking shoes.
Forget counting steps.. you'll be too busy discovering hidden laneways, colorful Georgian doors, cozy pubs tucked around unexpected corners, and street musicians providing the movie soundtrack to your adventure. Dublin deserves time on foot. Cobblestone streets, centuries of history, and a city that somehow feels like a small town and a capital all at once. Dublin isn't a city you simply see. You adventure. You wander!
Dublin's Georgian doors in the city's historic Georgian Quartre
‘Dublin's famous colorful Georgian doors are foretold to symbolize Irish resilience and individuality, with one popular legend claiming they were painted in bold colors as a quiet act of defiance against British mourning traditions following Queen Victoria's death.'‘
One moment you're admiring a cathedral that's stood for nearly a thousand years, and the next you're sitting down in a centuries old pub where every pint comes with a story. That's the magic of Dublin, that’s the magic of Ireland. History and hospitality are never more than a few steps apart and a lot of the times, on the same street, or in the same room
Pack your most comfortable shoes and know that every step will be worth it.
Your June 16-25, 2028 Ireland Experience
You're Not Booking a Vacation...
This "Can you believe we did that” memory starts with how the ten days unfold, so you know what to expect before you even land.
Tour Activity Level: 2 - Moderate
You like a balanced approach to travel. Walking two to three miles over the course of a day is no problem for you. You can partake in a two hour leisurely walking tour, covering up to two miles (with included breaks). You can handle a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to moderate hills with relative ease and without assistance.
You can climb two flights of stairs with ease. There may be 1 to 2 days on this tour when walking tours can cover 3 to 4 miles over uneven terrain. You can handle altitudes up to 6,000 feet. You dont need to be a Ninja warrior candidate, HYROX athlete, or Spartan Racer..
June 16, 2028
Flying towards the Emerald Isle and it’s many wonders. Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, and Limerick. As you explore ancient castles, dramatic coastlines, charming villages, and some of the world's most breathtaking scenery.
Experience authentic Irish culture through some of the worlds best pubs, traditional music, whiskey tastings, horse-drawn jaunting cars, and warm local hospitality. From kissing the Blarney Stone to standing atop the Cliffs of Moher, every day is filled with unforgettable moments and stories you'll cherish long after we return home. You are in for a surprise the next 10 days.
June 17, 2028
Welcome to Dublin Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin. Dinner included. Walking up to this place does not do the Google images justice. The best way to experience Dublin isn't from a tour bus, it's on foot. With no scheduled activities through the afternoon, lose yourself among streets, discover pubs full of locals, wander historic laneways, and let the city unfold naturally.
Dinner in Ireland, overdue after travelling to the Dublin Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin.
No rushing, no pressure.
This night, we gather for an Irish dinner where laughter, music, and storytelling become the perfect introduction to Irish culture! "(You do not need to drink and dance) You'll raise a glass while traditional Irish music echoes through the room, and look around to realize that some people at the table arrived as strangers. By dessert, you're already making lifelong friends. That's what group travel should feel like.
The Gresham Hotel Dublin, featuring it’s historic Georgian architecture on O'Connell Street in the heart of Dublin.
June 18, 2028
Ireland through local eyes after breakfast included at Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin. We will get A local guide and they will bring the tour to life. This day you'll discover the stories behind St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park, O'Connell Street, and the colorful Georgian doors we mentioned and showed you earlier in this blog. Then the afternoon is yours. Browse the historic local shops, find the perfect pub, visit Trinity College, or simply wander and galivant. Sometimes the best memories aren't planned, they're discovered.
June 19, 2028
Enjoy the Gardens, maybe some whiskey, and medieval Street shops near the Granville Hotel. Breakfast and dinner included. Some places leave you speechless. Powerscourt Estate is one of them. Walk through gardens consistently ranked among the most beautiful wedding destinations in the world, surrounded by the breathtaking Wicklow Mountains, then sample Ireland's evolving whiskey tradition at the estate distillery before arriving in Waterford, Ireland's oldest city.
Here you'll choose your own adventure. Watch master craftsmen create world famous crystal, or sip wine inside a medieval vault that's over 500 years old. Either way, you'll leave with another story worth telling, or more than enough photos to max out your Instagram highlight memories.
Located just south of Dublin, the Wicklow mountain range offers beautiful landscapes of rolling granite peaks, blanket bogs, and ancient history
June 20, 2028
We leave the amazing City of Waterford to Blarney Stone to Killarney Oaks Hotel. Breakfast and dinner included. The legend goes that those who hang upside down and kiss the Blarney Stone gain a special ‘gift’. Cross into County Kerry and this night, it's diner's choice, so you pick your included dinner from a menu of Killarney's great restaurants.
June 21, 2028
As much as you’ll want to stay.. we leave from Killarney to Ring of Kerry to Killarney Oaks Hotel. Breakfast included. (we can adventure for Lunch!) Take in the screen-saver beautiful coastline as you loop your way around the Ring of Kerry (Must visit photo spot), past pristine beaches, quaint villages, and majestic landscapes.
At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for local artisan made crafts. Meet the local McGill family at their roadside artisan brewery and enjoy a taste of their finest beers.
Near Waterville in County Kerry, Ireland. Situated in an Irish-speaking (Gaeltacht) region on the Iveragh Peninsula, it holds the distinction of being the first microbrewery on the Iveragh Peninsula.
Continue around the Ring of Kerry and top off the day back in Killarney with a ride in a traditional ‘jaunting car’. The night is free for reminiscing about the day as you find your own authentic taste of Irish culture.
Travel back in time with Irelands Jaunting car.
June 22, 2028
Killarney to Cliffs of Moher to Limerick Absolute Hotel. Breakfast included! Today brings you to the dramatic, 700 foot high (the long awaited, highly anticipated) Cliffs of Moher for cinematic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to Limerick, where a panoramic city tour showcases King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone.
an 800-year-old Anglo/Norman fortress located on King’s Island in the heart of Limerick City, overlooking the River Shannon.
Join us while the guided tour delves into the fascinating history of the city of the violated treaty. This evening, you may join an optional medieval banquet dinner, hosted in a castle! Optional add on: Medieval Banquet, $164 CAD
Absolute Hotel Limerick in Ireland.
nestled in the Medieval quatre of Limerick City, surrounded by King John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral.
June 23, 2028 Limerick to Galway to Limerick Absolute Hotel. Breakfast and dinner included this day. Pass through the windswept, limestone landscape of the Burren, known for it’s stark beauty and Neolithic tombs.
See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration. Continue on to Galway for some free time to explore this pretty and vibrant city. Return to Limerick to relax over dinner.
June 24, 2028
You don't need to be a history buff to fall in love with today. We'll make our way to Athlone, a charming riverside town along the mighty River Shannon, where centuries of Irish stories come to life at Athlone Castle. Unreal view and amazing location. Definitely a photo key memory must see in person.
Athlone Castle was originally built in 1210 on the orders of King John of England to control one of the most important crossing points on the River Shannon
Wander through the castle, explore the colourful streets, grab a cozy lunch at a local café, or pop into a few boutique shops. It's the perfect afternoon to soak up authentic Irish charm.
Tonight is something truly special as we check into the breathtaking Cabra Castle, where you'll spend the night like royalty and raise a glass over a delicious farewell dinner to celebrate an unforgettable Irish adventure.
Set amidst 100 acres of lush parkland in County Cavan, Cabra Castle offers travelers an authentic Irish fairytale experience by pairing 19th-century gothic elegance with warm, luxurious castle hospitality.
June 25, 2028
After a memorable breakfast at the castle, the tour ends in Kingscourt, your Ireland adventure wraps up right where the fairy tale ending belongs, on the grounds of a real Irish castle.
Breakfast options at the famous Cabra Castle.
It's time to say goodbye to the Emerald Isle and head to the airport for your flight home. There are no scheduled excursions today, so it's a relaxed morning to pack up, say your goodbyes to the new friends you made along the way, and soak in the last bit of castle life before transportation whisks you off to catch the flight back home.
The end of a journey, full of memories, photos for a lifetime and maybe even… a new outlook on life.
Would love to have you join us. Ireland June 16-25, 2028 | RSVP Here
Bucket list trips don't plan themselves, but that part is what I'm here for. Join my email list for more resources, tips, and exciting info
Would love to have you come on this adventure. Lets make 2028 amazing together!
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Tour at a Glance | Summary & Details
Tour Name | Shades of Ireland (Collette Guided Group Tour)
Duration | 10 Days
Travel Dates | June 16 – June 25, 2028
Inclusions | 13 Meals, 4-Star Hotels, Castle Stay, Private Coach & Local Guides
Activity Level | Level 2 (Moderate: 2–4 miles/day)
Pricing | From CA$6,999 per person | 👉 Reserve Your Spot for June 2028
Excited for you and hope to see you soon!
Sara C. Travel Advisor, Adventurer
Onwards to Ireland!
We cannot wait to adventure with you.
Collette Shades of Ireland Tour Review & 10-Day Itinerary (2028)
Sara Cabalu GoTravelwithSara © 2026 (780) 995-8141 sara.p@gotravelcompany.com
Booking info: Shades of Ireland with GoTravelWithSara.com
